Manor hold out for a much needed win

Birmingham League Division Three
1st XI
Streetly 146 all out
Aston Manor 147-9
ASTON MANOR WIN BY ONE WICKET

After their recent poor form Manor returned to winning ways with an important and exciting one wicket victory over local neighbours Streetly in front of a large and vociferous crowd at Briar Avenue. Despite the delight at the result the Perry Barr side must remain very concerned about the level of their batting performances, which at present are nowhere near good enough to allow the team to be considered genuine promotion candidates. Manor opted to bowl first, and although the influential Aurrell Kirnon pulled up injured, they were able to keep a tight rein on the Streetly batsmen with Arfan Khan (4-54) particularly impressive. Shaun Findlay (34) battled hard to hold together the hosts’ innings, but young Warwickshire U16 starlet Brinder Phagura (4-28) again showed his great potential with an outstanding spell of seam and swing bowling. Left arm spinner Armadeep Sonkar (2-22) also showed immense control as the hosts were finally dismissed for 146.

If Manor had performed with distinction with the ball the same certainly could not be said of their efforts with the bat. The wicket did get lower and slower, and Streetly did bowl with great desire and accuracy, but there was no excuse for the shots played to get dismissed by a number of the top order batsmen. After the loss of early wickets Manor appeared to have regained control of the match through a partnership between the impressive 17 year old debutant Onias Bascombe (22) and Indian professional Sonkar (42). However when they were both dismissed in quick succession the visitors found themselves reeling at 97-7 and the hosts seemed set for victory. However, despite injury restricting his mobility, Kirnon smashed a quick fire 29 to drag the visitors back into the game before being bowled by Andy Lloyd (3-25). Jason Smith (12no) demonstrated to the earlier batsmen the sort of application required as he and Mickey Bromhall finally saw Manor to a one wicket victory in an incredibly tense finish.